contingent
5 synonyms and 1 antonyms for contingent, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Dependent on something else that is uncertain; conditional.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use contingent
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French contingent, from Medieval Latin contingens, "possible," the present participle of contingere ("to touch, to happen") — com- ("together") + tangere ("to touch").
Full origin of contingent →Frequently asked questions
What does “contingent” mean?
The word “contingent” means dependent on something else that is uncertain; conditional. In plain terms, either "dependent on something uncertain" (adjective) or "a group sent to represent a larger whole" (noun).
How do you pronounce “contingent”?
“Contingent” is pronounced kuhn-TIHN-juhnt (/kənˈtɪn.d͡ʒənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “contingent” in a sentence?
Here is “contingent” used in a sentence: “Her promotion is contingent on the project's success.”
What is the opposite of “contingent”?
The opposite of “contingent” — its antonyms — is noncontingent.
What part of speech is “contingent”?
Depending on how it is used, “contingent” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “contingent” come from?
The word “contingent” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French contingent, from Medieval Latin contingens, "possible," the present participle of contingere ("to touch, to happen") — com- ("together") + tangere ("to touch").
Is “contingent” a common word?
“Contingent” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “contingent” have?
“Contingent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: dependent on something else that is uncertain; conditional.
What is the difference between contingent and dependent?
Contingent and dependent both describe something that relies on another factor, but contingent specifically implies that the outcome is uncertain or conditional, such as a job offer contingent on a background check. Dependent is broader and does not necessarily imply uncertainty.
How is contingent used as a noun versus an adjective?
As an adjective, contingent means dependent on something else that is uncertain, as in funding contingent on approval. As a noun, a contingent refers to a group representing a larger body, such as a contingent of troops or a delegation sent to a conference.
What does a contingency plan mean in relation to contingent?
A contingency plan is a backup plan prepared for an event that is contingent, meaning uncertain and dependent on future conditions. Both words share the same root idea that something may or may not happen, so plans are made in case the conditional event occurs.